The Tribune

Bahamas Realty says that as a result of hosting the NAI Global Regional Conference last week, it has received “serious interest” in its multi-million dollar Union Wharf listing.

Larry Roberts, chief executive of both Bahamas Realty (BRL) and NAI Bahamas Realty Commercial, its commercial division, said: “One of the major benefits of the conference was introducing the delegates to the Bahamas and what we have to offer, touring our properties, our office and learning of local investment incentives.

“The delegates, from seven countries, were very complimentary and so grateful to now have a much greater understanding of the Bahamas and what we have to offer in real estate investments.

“It was a lesson in rolling out the red carpet instead of the red tape,” said Bahamas Realty financial controller, Lindsey Cancino.

Guest speaker Bianca Beneby, acting deputy director of investments at the Bahamas Investment Authority (BIA), said the BIA was restructuring to “reduce delays and speed up the approval process for permits and certificates of registration so that the Bahamas can continue to attract real estate investment to our shores”.

Other benefits accruing from the conference, according to Mr Roberts, include increasing awareness among NAI members and the public of NAI member’s global reach.

“We agreed we would identify, improve and get additional business by co-operating and coordinating with each other. Out of this initiative investors and sellers will understand that we can help them anywhere in the world,” he added.

Senior staff members from NAI Global attending the conference included Bobbi Jean Formosa and Linda Battistelli, who brought NAI delegates up to date on recent changes in the company.

Delegates in attendance were from the Bahamas, US, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Brazil, Argentina and Jamaica.

Mr Roberts said he expects the conference to “solidify the contacts in the NAI Global network, particularly as it relates to the Caribbean and Latin American countries, and to strengthen relationships and cooperation between members”.

He added: “When you are dealing with NAI Bahamas Realty Commercial, you are dealing with the whole NAI Global group, the top independent realtors in 55 countries with $45 billion in transactions annually.

“NAI members manage more than 300 million square feet of commercial space, but we also know, appreciate and can meet your local needs.”